Coffee Bros. Urges U.S. Government to Exempt Coffee from Tariffs, Warning of Industry Crisis
April 12 - 2025
Coffee Geography Magazine
Coffee Bros., a U.S.-based specialty coffee roaster, is calling on federal policymakers to swiftly exempt coffee imports from new tariffs that jeopardize the American coffee industry. The tariffs, the company warns, threaten to spike consumer prices, destabilize international supply chains, and endanger over 2.2 million U.S. jobs tied to the sector.
On April 2nd, the Trump administration imposed tariffs of up to 46% on coffee imports from 15 major producing nations, including Brazil, Vietnam, Colombia, and Indonesia—countries that supply nearly all of America’s green coffee beans. This move coincides with record-high green coffee prices, driven by climate-related shortages and speculative trading on the C-Market (the global commodity exchange for coffee). Prices have surged over 100% since 2023, squeezing roasters and cafés already struggling to recover from pandemic-era losses.
“Coffee isn’t manufactured—it’s cultivated,” emphasized Dan Hunnewell, co-founder of Coffee Bros. “The U.S. produces less than 1% of its consumption in Hawaii and Puerto Rico. These tariffs punish an industry that relies entirely on global partnerships.”
The U.S. coffee sector has yet to rebound from COVID-19’s fallout. According to Fresh Cup, countless cafés permanently closed during the pandemic, while survivors grapple with staffing shortages, razor-thin margins, and exhausted owners.
“Businesses are finally finding their footing, only to face another existential blow,” said Hunnewell. “Between tariffs and unsustainable price hikes, this could be the knockout punch for many.”
The tariffs also endanger decades of progress in coffee-producing regions. Farmers who invested in sustainable, quality-driven practices to meet U.S. demand now risk losing key buyers. If American roasters pivot to cheaper alternatives, these producers may abandon hard-won advancements for lower-grade markets.
“Higher prices could empower farmers to reinvest in sustainability—but only if the U.S. market remains accessible,” Hunnewell noted.
Coffee Bros.’ petition, [Exempt Coffee from Tariffs: Protect American Small Businesses and Preserve Coffee Quality](https://www.change.org/p/exempt-coffee-from-tariffs-protect-american-small-businesses-and-preserve-coffee-quality ), urges the government to:
- Exempt coffee from current tariff policies.
- Classify coffee as a non-manufacturable, essential import.
- Shield small businesses and workers across the supply chain.
- Prioritize trade partnerships with sustainability-focused producers.
“Coffee isn’t steel or cars—it can’t be ‘reshored,’” stressed Hunnewell. “We need policies that reflect reality, not ones that dismantle an industry built on global collaboration.”
The petition has garnered thousands of signatures as roasters, cafés, and consumers rally to safeguard the future of American coffee.